Hyderabad: Cops remove modified silencers from bikes to curb sound pollution

HYDERABAD: Though Hyderabad police are slapping fines on bikers using modified silencers, which make huge noise, their Ramagundam counterparts on Thursday went a step ahead and got the silencers removed from two-wheelers with the help of mechanics. Hyderabad police claim the cops have no right to remove the silencers and they could only fine and refer the case to Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
Ramagundam traffic circle inspector Ramesh Babu said, “The bikers are resorting to sound pollution with modified silencers.We conducted a special drive in Ramagundam town in Mancherial district today. We focused on Royal Enfield and Yamaha vehicles with modified silencers making a huge noise. We caught the bikers and took them to the police station along with the vehicles. Motorbike mechanics engaged by us removed the silencers. Sound pollution is a big menace. We have done the special drive in view of disturbances caused to other motorists and the general public.”
Traffic police also conducted counselling for motorists. “We will not tolerate any kind of actions that increase sound pollution,” he added.
A Hyderabad traffic police officer said, “Police have no right to remove silencers. In Hyderabad, we are testing (decibels) sound pollution using metres and imposing a fine of Rs 1,000 on violators. We can send vehicles for vehicle check report in case of violations. There are prescribed guidelines under MV Act and PCB rules.”
Hyderabad traffic police were planning to hold a meeting with vehicle manufacturers, those dealing with vehicle accessories, mechanics and service establishments to tell them not to modify silencers.
“In certain models, violations have been found at the manufacturing stage itself,” an official said.